According to sources, Trump spoke with Putin by phone on Thursday to discuss the Ukraine conflict. Trump advised Putin against intensifying the war, reminding him of the significant U.S. military presence in Europe, and expressed interest in further discussions on resolving the conflict.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to end the war in a day, although he did not specify how. One former U.S. official suggested that Trump likely wants to avoid an escalation in Ukraine as he prepares for a potential second term. Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, stated that global leaders recognize Trump as a figure of peace and stability, seeking to build stronger relationships with him.
Trump also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has invited Trump to the Oval Office on Wednesday, and national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated that Biden plans to reaffirm his commitment to a peaceful power transition and discuss U.S. foreign policy in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Sullivan emphasized Biden’s intent to maintain U.S. support for Ukraine, warning that abandoning Ukraine could increase European instability.
The U.S. has provided substantial military and economic aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022, funding that Trump has criticized. Ukraine’s foreign ministry denied being informed of the call in advance.
The Kremlin, however, indicated Putin was open to discussions with Trump about Ukraine but not to altering Moscow’s demands, which include Ukraine’s abandonment of NATO aspirations and military withdrawal from four contested regions.
On Sunday, Trump also spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz about continuing U.S.-German cooperation and promoting peace in Europe.
In a recent conversation with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Trump expressed interest in working together on naval shipbuilding and fostering peace in the Asia-Pacific.
Trump’s call with Putin followed recent remarks from his adviser, Bryan Lanza, urging Ukraine to focus on peace rather than victory.
Lanza suggested that Ukraine should accept the loss of Crimea, though Trump’s spokesperson clarified that Lanza was a campaign contractor and did not officially represent Trump’s views.
